Those massive shopping centres....

[Andrew[MG]]

...that seem to be dotted around the middle east...Are they actually busy? Are they fully occupied by retailers?

[Chilli]

Andrew[MG] said:

...that seem to be dotted around the middle east...Are they actually busy? Are they fully occupied by retailers?

In the major ones (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates) I've never seen a vacant unit. Prime real estate I guess. They're alos rammed at certain times, but empty at others.
Why do you ask? Looking to lease a shop, or wanting to go shopping??!!

[Andrew[MG]]

We were talking about them at work and I was just wondering what was happening out there. It wasn't that long ago that the tabloids were saying that everyone was abandoning Dubai (a huge exaggeration I'd sure) so it did sound a bit like these shopping centres might have been an expansion too far.

I really need to get over for a look in the next year or so!

[Chilli]

Andrew[MG] said:

We were talking about them at work and I was just wondering what was happening out there. It wasn't that long ago that the tabloids were saying that everyone was abandoning Dubai (a huge exaggeration I'd sure) so it did sound a bit like these shopping centres might have been an expansion too far.

I really need to get over for a look in the next year or so!

Loads of people left Dubai, but not all of them! I guess it was the same everywhere where firms were laying people off, but the difference here is that the expats with no jobs tend to HAVE to leave.

[Asterix]

There are a few empty shops if you look around, Dubai Mall in the souky bit was quite empty.

I'n noticed that even with them busy, not many people are walking around with shopping bags. That said, during the summer they're full as there's bugger all else to do.

[PhillT]

If you go there on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday, especially after about 5pm, the main ones (Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates) are absolutely rammed.

[mcbook]

Asterix said:

There are a few empty shops if you look around, Dubai Mall in the souky bit was quite empty.

I'n noticed that even with them busy, not many people are walking around with shopping bags. That said, during the summer they're full as there's bugger all else to do.

Agree that there are a few vacant shops in Dubai Mall but that's only to be expected in a mall with over 1000 units! Seems pretty rammed with shoppers at the peak times.

Mall of the Emirates is smaller but busier I reckon. Hardly ever see an empty unit in there and they have recently opened a big extension with about 40 more shops (mostly luxury brands).

[85Carrera]

Avoid them like the plague. Awful places.

Mercato is much more sensibly sized and has a Virgin, Spinneys and cinema. What more do you need?

[Paracetamol]

These places are much more about hanging out, eating and people watching than about shopping...plus the prices are the same as europe but there is no tax so there is a 17.5% advantage for the retailer straight away. I am guessing the rents will be lower and staffing costs will be a 5th to a 10th of europe. Energy costs are also much lower as a business rates etc. I bet they need to sell 1/3 of what a European outlet would need to sell to be profitable..

[oilydan]

Paracetamol said:

These places are much more about hanging out, eating and people watching than about shopping...plus the prices are the same as europe but there is no tax so there is a 17.5% advantage for the retailer straight away. I am guessing the rents will be lower and staffing costs will be a 5th to a 10th of europe. Energy costs are also much lower as a business rates etc. I bet they need to sell 1/3 of what a European outlet would need to sell to be profitable..

That'll be 20% now then!

But I disagree, prices here are much higher than Europe. I bought a camera in the US and, even with shipping costs, it was still a good few beers cheaper than any Dubai shop.

[Asterix]

Dubai is st for shopping - limited range, often a season old, silly prices, 'assistants' that have no idea what they're talking about, st aftersales, etc...

Thank you ssssiiirrrr/mmmaaammm

Again, great PR masks over the real thing.

[Gentleman Geoff]

mcbook said:

Asterix said:

There are a few empty shops if you look around, Dubai Mall in the souky bit was quite empty.

I'n noticed that even with them busy, not many people are walking around with shopping bags. That said, during the summer they're full as there's bugger all else to do.

Agree that there are a few vacant shops in Dubai Mall but that's only to be expected in a mall with over 1000 units!

I think it's pretty remarkable how few vacant units there are. Sure, there's the odd empty space, especially in the souky bit.

I can think of plenty of UK high streets where virtually every other shop is boarded up. And the rest are all either Poundstretchers or CashConverters.

[S1MMA]

Asterix said:

Dubai is st for shopping - limited range, often a season old, silly prices, 'assistants' that have no idea what they're talking about, st aftersales, etc...

Thank you ssssiiirrrr/mmmaaammm

Again, great PR masks over the real thing.

sorrry sirrrrr, wrong hole, not allllowwwed.